Flash floods and landslides wreak havoc across central Vietnam
VOV.VN - Subsequent flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rain have hit parts of central Vietnam over the past few days, creating havoc for people in many localities such as Nghe An and Ha Tinh.
From May 29 evening to May 30 morning, prolonged heavy downpours caused flash floods and landslides across several mountainous districts of Nghe An province, resulting in significant property damage.
In Tuong Duong and Ky Son districts, torrential rains led to widespread flooding and severe landslides, damaging infrastructure and private property. Particularly, many inter-village and inter-communal roads suffered heavy landslides, and falling rocks and debris damaged numerous local houses.
In Que Phong district, persistent heavy rain triggered flash floods that swept away crops, livestock, trees, and several houses. Though, there were no human casualties reported, preliminary estimates place total damage at approximately VND3.1 billion (approx. US$122,000).
Local authorities and armed forces have been deployed to the affected areas to encourage residents, assess damage, implement recovery measures, and evacuate families living in high-risk landslide zones to safer locations.
In nearby Ha Tinh province, meteorological stations recorded rainfall levels between 200–300 mm, with some areas like Ky Giang commune (Ky Anh district) reporting up to 600 mm - the highest ever documented for not just May but any month of the year.
The widespread intense rainfall triggered water levels in many rivers to rise sharply, leading to flooding and waterlogging across large parts of the province. Severely affected areas include Ky Anh, Huong Khe, Cam Xuyen and Thach Ha districts.
In Cam Xuyen district alone, sudden overnight flash floods caught hundreds of households off guard. Thousands of tonnes of recently harvested rice and other valuable property were submerged before they could be moved to safety.
Vo Ta Ky, head of the administration of Cam Due commune, Cam Xuyen district, reported that floodwaters from upstream arrived suddenly, inundating the inter-communal road near the commune headquarters.
Approximately 150 households with over 400 people in Tan Due and Quang Trung villages were cut off by deep floodwaters. Local authorities mobilised relevant forces to evacuate the elderly and children and help residents move their belongings to higher ground.
According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the recent extreme rainfall was caused by cold air interacting with the terrain of the Ngang Pass, which lies between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces. As heavy rain is forecast to persist on May 30-31, meteorologists warned about a high risk of landslides, flash floods, and flooding in low-lying areas.
Unusual cold and rain forecast for northern region in late May
VOV.VN - The northern region of Vietnam will experience an unexpected spell of cold air and light rain from May 28 to 30, an unusual weather pattern for the early summer period, according to the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting Centre.
